Bronchiectasis

Definition

Bronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. As a result of this damage, the airways become wider.

If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis.

If it develops later in life, it is called acquired bronchiectasis.

Alternative Names

Acquired bronchiectasis; Congenital bronchiectasis

Causes

Bronchiectasis is often caused by inflammation or infection of the airways that keeps coming back. Sometimes it begins in childhood after having a severe lung infection or inhaling a foreign object.

Cystic fibrosis causes about a third of all bronchiectasis cases in the United States. Certain genetic conditions can also cause bronchiectasis. These conditions include primary ciliary dyskinesia and immunodeficiency syndromes.

The condition can also occur when people often breathe in food particles while eating.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop over time. They may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.

Version Info

Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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